Escaped bear cub spotted in Fla. woods

125-pound cub missing since Tuesday

Published On: Jan 16 2013 08:20:16 AM EST

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. -

An escaped bear cub has been seen roaming a wooded area in southwest Florida.

Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are helping a local captive wildlife owner find the 125-pound cub after it escaped from a facility Tuesday afternoon in the Naples area.

Wildlife officials are also asking residents to report any sightings.

Wildlife supervisor Capt. Mitts Mravic says residents shouldn't approach the bear if they see it. Any information "on a direction of travel for the bear will be helpful to law enforcement."

The cub is likely in a wooded area on the owner's property or a neighboring property. But wildlife officials say it could potentially travel in search of food.

The commission is also looking into the cause of the escape.

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